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Upgraded Propulsion Control System for Coast Guard Icebreaker

ABB Marine Canada of St-Laurent, Quebec wins contract

February 18, 2016 - Ottawa, Ontario

The Honourable Hunter Tootoo, Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard, and the Honourable Judy Foote, Minister of Public Services and Procurement, today announced the award of a $3M contract to ABB Marine Canada for a new propulsion control system for the Canadian Coast Guard icebreaker Pierre Radisson.

A propulsion control system is designed to harness and distribute power generated by the main engine to the propulsion electric motors. The Radisson’s current propulsion control system is now in its 38th year of service since the ship’s construction in 1978, and is due for replacement. The renewal of this system will allow the ship to spend more time at sea, ensuring the safe passage of vessels in Canadian waters.

In winter, the Pierre Radisson breaks ice and escorts ships in the Gulf of St. Lawrence and on the St. Lawrence and Saguenay Rivers. In summer, the ship travels to the Canadian Arctic to escort commercial ships, serve as a primary search and rescue unit and provide support to scientific missions when possible.

The contract includes the option to renew the propulsion control systems in two other Coast Guard ships, the Des Groseilliers and Amundsen, both of which have logged over 30 years of service.

The Des Groseilliers is an essential vessel of the Canadian icebreaking program. In summer, the Amundsen makes her way to the Canadian Arctic to conduct a wide variety of scientific missions.

Quick Facts

Design and supply work is scheduled to begin immediately and is expected to be completed by December 2016 to allow installation by June 2017.

This contract was awarded through an open, fair, and transparent procurement process and is part of an overall $360M investment to extend the life of the Coast Guard fleet.

Repairing and maintaining ships such as the Radisson, Des Groseilliers and the Amundsen icebreakers will ensure Coast Guard ships continue to deliver essential services such as carrying provisions and conducting scientific missions.

Quotes

“Renewing the fleet is crucial to ensure the Canadian Coast Guard fulfills its mandate to provide for the safe passage of people and goods for generations to come. It’s about equipping the men and women of the Coast Guard with the tools they need to ensure the safety and security of vessels in Canadian waters from coast to coast to coast.”

The Honourable Hunter Tootoo, Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard

“Our Government has committed to equipping Canada with the fleets needed to carry out important functions. As we make these important investments, we are ensuring that our procurement processes are competitive, transparent and provide the best value for Canadians. At the same time, we are pursuing opportunities to stimulate the Canadian economy. This contract, awarded to ABB Marine Canada, will bring economic benefits and employment to the Greater Montreal Area.”

The Honourable Judy Foote, Minister of Public Services and Procurement